U.S. patent application number 13/804659 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for steering column assembly with improved attachment to a vehicle structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Donald A. Buzzard. Invention is credited to Donald A. Buzzard.
Application Number | 20140260758 13/804659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51521350 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140260758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buzzard; Donald A. |
September 18, 2014 |
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE
STRUCTURE
Abstract
A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a
collar assembly, a position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. A
guide shaft extends from a guide end of the collar assembly, and a
cam shaft extends from a cam end of the collar assembly. The guide
shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position
lock bracket, and the cam shaft extends through an adjustment
channel defined in the position lock bracket. A guide clamp is
disposed along the guide shaft between the upper column jacket and
the position lock bracket, and a guide retainer is fixed to the
guide shaft such that, when the steering column assembly is in a
locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in compression between the
upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, which is placed
in compression between the guide clamp and the guide retainer.
Inventors: |
Buzzard; Donald A.;
(Saginaw, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Buzzard; Donald A. |
Saginaw |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Steering Solutions IP Holding
Corporation
Saginaw
MI
|
Family ID: |
51521350 |
Appl. No.: |
13/804659 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/493 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 1/184 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/493 |
International
Class: |
B62D 1/184 20060101
B62D001/184 |
Claims
1. A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprising: an upper
column jacket, through which a steering control shaft is supported
for rotation about a longitudinal column axis; a collar assembly
disposed about the upper column jacket, the collar assembly having
a guide end and a cam end, the guide end including a guide shaft
that extends outwardly from the guide end along a lock axis, the
cam end including a cam shaft that extends outwardly from the cam
end along the lock axis; a position lock bracket attached to the
vehicle and disposed about the collar assembly, the position lock
bracket having a first lock wall and a second lock wall, the guide
shaft extending through an adjustment channel defined in the first
lock wall, the cam shaft extending through an adjustment channel
defined in the second lock wall; a guide clamp disposed along the
guide shaft between the upper column jacket and the first lock wall
and a guide retainer fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the
steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is
placed in compression between the upper column jacket and the first
lock wall and the first lock wall is placed in compression between
the guide clamp and the guide retainer.
2. A steering column assembly as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a cam clamp disposed along the cam shaft between the
upper column jacket and an outer cam, the outer cam being disposed
along the cam shaft between the cam clamp and a cam retainer such
that, when the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the
outer cam is placed in compression between the cam retainer and the
cam clamp, the cam clamp is placed in compression between the outer
cam and the second lock wall.
3. A steering column assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when
the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the second lock
wall is placed in compression between the cam clamp and the collar
assembly.
4. A steering column assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when
the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the collar
assembly is placed in compression between the second lock wall and
the guide clamp.
5. A steering column assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
outer cam is configured so as to bias the cam clamp to move toward
the upper column jacket when the outer cam is positioned in a
locked mode.
6. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
guide end defines a first planar surface and the cam end defines a
second planar surface, the first planar surface oriented
substantially in parallel to the second planar surface.
7. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
collar assembly comprises a clamp ring that is configured to extend
around the upper column jacket, the guide end defining a guide
shaft passage that extends through the guide end, and the guide
shaft provided by a guide shaft insert configured for assembly with
a guide shaft end of the clamp ring.
8. A steering column assembly as described in claim 7, wherein the
guide end defines a guide shaft keyway that extends along a first
inside surface of the guide end, transversely to the lock axis.
9. A steering column assembly as described in claim 8, wherein the
guide shaft insert includes a guide shaft base that is configured
to seat into the guide shaft keyway so as to position the guide
shaft insert relatively to the guide end of the clamp ring and to
prevent the guide shaft insert from rotating about the lock
axis.
10. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
collar assembly comprises a clamp ring that is configured to extend
around the upper column jacket, the cam end defining a cam shaft
passage that extends through the cam end, the cam shaft provided by
a cam shaft insert configured for assembly with the cam end.
11. A steering column assembly as described in claim 10, wherein
the cam end defines and a cam shaft keyway that extends along a
second inside surface of the cam end, transversely to the lock
axis.
12. A steering column assembly as described in claim 11, wherein
the cam shaft insert includes a cam shaft base that is configured
to seat into the cam shaft keyway so as to position the cam shaft
insert relatively to the cam end of the clamp ring and to prevent
the cam shaft insert from rotating about the lock axis.
13. A steering column assembly as described in claim 2, wherein the
cam end defines one or more cam clamp passages adjacent to the lock
axis, through which one or more arms of the cam clamp extend.
14. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
first lock wall and the second lock wall are cantilevered from a
base.
15. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
lock axis is disposed horizontally, substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal column axis.
16. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
lock axis is disposed generally horizontally and passes
approximately through the longitudinal column axis.
17. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
first lock wall is disposed in an approximately vertical plane.
18. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
first lock wall defines a rake adjustment channel, through which
the guide shaft passes, along which the guide shaft is constrained
to move when the steering column assembly is in an adjustment mode,
and relative to which the guide shaft is fixed when the steering
column assembly is in a locked mode.
19. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
second lock wall is disposed in an approximately vertical
plane.
20. A steering column assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the
second lock wall defines a rake adjustment channel, through which
the cam shaft passes, along which the cam shaft is constrained to
move when the steering column assembly is in an adjustment mode,
and relative to which the cam shaft is fixed when the position lock
mechanism is in a fixed mode.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to steering columns and more
particularly to a system for attaching a steering column assembly
to, and releasing the steering column assembly from, a structure of
a vehicle.
[0002] Market forces are inducing vehicle suppliers to seek ways of
meeting the sometimes conflicting desires to incorporate new
features into the areas surrounding the vehicle steering column
while also providing more compact vehicles. As a result, demands
for space surrounding the steering column have increased while the
space available has decreased. In particular, it is becoming more
and more common for the space above and below the column to be
limited. These space-based constraints have posed challenges to
designers seeking to meet requirements relating to structural
attachment of the steering column to the vehicle, to safety and
reliability, and also to convenience. In particular, consumer
desires for the ability to adjust positioning of the steering
column have not decreased to accommodate the above-described
increasing demands for space.
[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to have improved systems and
methods for selectively fixing and releasing a steering column
while also providing for safe and reliable structural attachment of
the steering column within reduced spaces above and beneath the
steering column. It is also desirable to have a system and method
for selectively fixing and releasing a steering column wherein the
clamping hardware is disposed primarily toward a side of the
steering column (e.g., arranged substantially horizontally from a
centerline of the steering column).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a steering
column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a collar assembly
disposed about the upper column jacket, a collar assembly, a
position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. The collar assembly has
guide end and a cam end, with the guide end including a guide shaft
that extends outwardly from the guide end along a lock axis, and
with the cam end including a cam shaft that extends outwardly from
the cam end along the lock axis.
[0005] The position lock bracket is attached to the vehicle and is
disposed about the collar assembly. The position lock bracket has a
first lock wall and a second lock wall. The guide shaft extends
through an adjustment channel defined in the first lock wall, and
the cam shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the
second lock wall.
[0006] A guide clamp is disposed along the guide shaft between the
upper column jacket and the first lock wall, and a guide retainer
is fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the steering column
assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in
compression between the upper column jacket and the first lock wall
and the first lock wall is placed in compression between the guide
clamp and the guide retainer.
[0007] These and other advantages and features will become more
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at
the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other
features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary steering
column assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary steering
column assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an exemplary steering column
assembly;
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a cutaway end view of an exemplary steering
column assembly, with the steering column assembly being cut at a
plane A-A as shown in FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway top view of an exemplary steering
column assembly, with the steering column assembly being cut at a
plane B-B as shown in FIG. 3; and
[0014] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an exemplary position lock
mechanism for an adjustable steering column assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring now to the Figures, where the invention will be
described with reference to specific embodiments, without limiting
same, FIGS. 1-2 show perspective views, and FIG. 3 shows a side
view, of a steering column assembly 100 in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the
steering column assembly 100 comprises an upper column jacket 102,
through which a steering control shaft 104 is supported for
rotation about a longitudinal column axis 106. At an operator end
(i.e., an upper end) 108, the steering control shaft 104 is
configured for interacting with a steering wheel or other
user-operated control device (not shown) for facilitating user
control of a vehicle, to which the steering column assembly 100 is
attached. At an opposite end (i.e., a lower end), the steering
control shaft 104 is coupled (e.g., via an intermediate shaft
and/or via one or more gear mechanisms) to a steerable wheel of the
vehicle. Thus, as an operator rotates the steering wheel or other
user-operated control device, the steering control shaft 104
rotates about the longitudinal column axis 106, and control of the
vehicle is provided.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper column jacket 102
defines an internal cavity, within which the steering control shaft
104 is supported, and an inner column jacket 110 may also disposed
within this internal cavity. The inner column jacket 110 may be in
direct contact with the upper column jacket 102 or they may be
separated by a bushing or bearing assembly to facilitate reliable
telescoping movement relative to one another while also providing
structural coupling between the inner column jacket 110 and the
upper column jacket 102. Thus, the inner column jacket 110 and the
upper column jacket 102 are configured for telescoping movement
along the longitudinal column axis 106.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal column axis 106
is arranged in a vertically oriented plane that is parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjustments to the position and
orientation of the steering column assembly 100 may be facilitated
in either or both of: (1) along the of the longitudinal column axis
106 (i.e., in a telescoping direction); and (2) in a vertical
(i.e., raking) direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal column axis 106. To facilitate such adjustments to the
position and orientation of the steering column assembly 100, as
shown in FIGS. 1-3, the steering column assembly 100 includes a
position lock mechanism 112.
[0018] To enable a locked mode, wherein changes to the position of
an operator end 108 of the steering control shaft 104 are
substantially inhibited, the position lock mechanism 112 is
configured to substantially fix a position of the upper column
jacket 102 relative to a position lock bracket 114, and thus the
vehicle, when the position lock mechanism 112 occupies the locked
mode. Similarly, to enable an adjustment mode, wherein changes to a
position of the operator end 108 of the steering control shaft 104
are facilitated, the position lock mechanism 112 is configured to
permit adjustments to the position of the upper column jacket 102
relative to the position lock bracket 114, and thus the vehicle,
when the position lock mechanism 112 occupies the adjustment
mode.
[0019] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of
systems and methods are known for enabling the above-described
locked mode and adjustment mode. For example, a locked mode may be
activated by imposing a compressive load between adjacent friction
lock members or by engaging sets of mating gears so as to inhibit
relative movement. Similarly, an adjustment mode may be activated
by releasing the compressive loads or disengaging the gear teeth.
To provide operator selectivity between a locked mode and an
adjustment mode, an adjustment lever arm 116 may be provided for
releasing or applying the compressive load (or for engaging and
disengaging the gear teeth) based on the position of the adjustment
lever arm 116.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the position lock mechanism 112
includes a rake lock actuator (not shown) and/or a telescope lock
actuator (not shown). The adjustment lever arm 116 is coupled to
the rake lock actuator and/or the telescope lock actuator such that
the vehicle operator may select (e.g., by manipulating the
adjustment lever arm 116) whether the position lock mechanism 112
is to occupy the locked mode or the adjustment mode. In embodiments
that provide for telescoping adjustments of the steering column
assembly 100, the position lock mechanism 112 is configured to
cooperate so as to selectively enable such telescoping adjustments
while in the adjustment mode and to prevent such telescoping
adjustments while in the locked mode. Similarly, in embodiments
that provide for raking adjustments of the steering column assembly
100, the position lock mechanism 112 is configured to selectively
enable such raking adjustments while in the adjustment mode and to
prevent such raking adjustments while in the locked mode.
[0021] During normal operation of the vehicle, the position lock
mechanism 112 occupies a locked mode such that the upper column
jacket 102 is fixed relative to the position lock bracket 114. To
enhance vehicle safety in situations wherein the vehicle encounters
an excessive acceleration (e.g., such that a vehicle occupant may
impact or press against the steering column assembly 100), the
position lock mechanism 112 may be configured to release from the
vehicle upon imposition of an impact force of sufficient magnitude.
Alternatively, it may be the position lock mechanism 112 that is
configured to selectively release the upper column jacket 102. In
either of these configurations, however, the fixed relationship
between the steering column assembly 100 and the vehicle is to be
released upon the occurrence of a predefined event or satisfaction
of predetermined criteria. Thus, it is important for the attachment
system and method to provide a reliable, yet releasable, structural
attachment between the steering column and the vehicle.
[0022] FIGS. 4 and 5 show cutaway views of an exemplary steering
column assembly 100. FIG. 4 is an end view, viewed from the
operator end 108 of the steering column assembly 100, with the
steering column assembly 100 being cut at a plane A-A (shown in
FIG. 3) that bisects the position lock mechanism 112. FIG. 5 is a
top view of the steering column assembly 100, with the steering
column assembly 100 being cut at a plane B-B (also shown in FIG. 3)
that bisects the position lock mechanism 112. FIG. 6 shows an
exploded view of an exemplary position lock mechanism 112 for an
adjustable steering column assembly 100. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in
various exemplary embodiments, the position lock mechanism 112
comprises a collar assembly 118 disposed about the upper column
jacket 102.
[0023] The collar assembly 118 has a guide end 120 and a cam end
122, with the guide end 120 defining a first planar surface 124,
and the cam end 122 defining a second planar surface 126. The first
planar surface 124 is oriented substantially in parallel to the
second planar surface 126. The guide end 120 (with its outwardly
facing first planar surface 124) and the cam end 122 (with its
outwardly facing second planar surface 126) define a lock axis 128.
The lock axis 128 is disposed horizontally, perpendicular to the
longitudinal column axis 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock
axis 128 is disposed generally horizontally and passes through, or
nearly through, the longitudinal column axis 106. The guide end 120
includes a guide shaft 130 that extends outwardly from the first
planar surface 124, along the lock axis 128. The cam end 122
includes a cam shaft 132 that extends outwardly from the second
planar surface 126, along the lock axis 128.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the collar assembly 118
comprises a clamp ring 134 that is configured to extend around the
upper column jacket 102 so that the collar assembly 118 may be
installed about the upper column jacket 102. In this exemplary
embodiment, the clamp ring 134 includes the guide end 120 and the
cam end 122 as described above. The guide end 120 defines a guide
shaft passage 136 that extends through the guide end 120. The guide
end 120 also defines a guide shaft keyway 138 that extends along a
first inside surface 140 of the guide end 120, transversely to the
lock axis 128. Similarly, the cam end 122 defines a cam shaft
passage 142 that extends through the cam end 122. The cam end 122
also defines and a cam shaft keyway 144 that extends along a second
inside surface 146 of the cam end 122, transversely to the lock
axis 128.
[0025] In this embodiment, a guide shaft insert 148 is configured
for assembly with the guide end 120 and includes a guide shaft base
150 that is configured to seat into the guide shaft keyway 138 so
as to position the guide shaft insert 148 relatively to the guide
end 120 of the clamp ring 134 and to prevent the guide shaft insert
148 from rotating about the lock axis 128. The guide shaft insert
148 provides a guide shaft 130, which, upon assembly of the guide
shaft insert 148 with the guide end 120 of the clamp ring 134,
passes through the guide shaft passage 136 and extends from the
guide end 120 along the lock axis 128.
[0026] Similarly, a cam shaft insert 152 is configured for assembly
with the cam end 122 and includes a cam shaft base 154 that is
configured to seat into the cam shaft keyway 144 so as to position
the cam shaft insert 152 relatively to the cam end 122 of the clamp
ring 134 and to prevent the cam shaft insert 152 from rotating
about the lock axis 128. The cam shaft insert 152 provides a cam
shaft 132, which, upon assembly of the cam shaft insert 152 with
the cam end 122 of the clamp ring 134, passes through the cam shaft
passage 142 and extends from the cam end 122 along the lock axis
128. In an exemplary embodiment, the cam end 122 defines one or
more cam clamp passages 158 adjacent to the lock axis 128 and to
the cam shaft 132 that extends from the cam end 122 along the lock
axis 128.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, and as briefly disclosed above, in an
exemplary embodiment, the position lock mechanism 112 also
comprises position lock bracket 114 that is disposed about the
generally cylindrical upper column jacket 102 and the collar
assembly 118. The position lock bracket 114 includes a first lock
wall 160 and a second lock wall 162, which may be attached to one
another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the first lock wall
160 and the second lock wall 162 may be cantilevered from a base
such that they may be flexed somewhat so as to take up slack caused
by part to part variations and to facilitate changes between the
locked mode and the adjustment mode. The first lock wall 160 is
disposed in an approximately vertical plane adjacent to the guide
end 120. The first lock wall 160 has a first inner lock surface 164
that faces toward the collar assembly 118 and a first outer lock
surface 166 that faces away from the collar assembly 118. The first
lock wall 160 defines an adjustment channel 172, through which the
guide shaft 130 passes, along which the guide shaft 130 is
constrained to move (e.g., in a raking direction) when the position
lock mechanism 112 is in an adjustment mode, and relative to which
the guide shaft 130 is fixed when the position lock mechanism 112
is in a locked mode.
[0028] The second lock wall 162 is disposed in an approximately
vertical plane adjacent to the cam end 122. The second lock wall
162 has a second inner lock surface 168 that faces toward the
collar assembly 118 and a second outer lock surface 180 that faces
away from the collar assembly 118. The second lock wall 162 defines
an adjustment channel 172, through which the cam shaft 132 passes,
along which the cam shaft 132 is constrained to move (e.g., in a
raking direction) when the position lock mechanism 112 is in an
adjustment mode, and relative to which the cam shaft 132 is fixed
when the position lock mechanism 112 is in a locked mode. As shown
in FIGS. 4-6, in an exemplary embodiment, the position lock
mechanism 112 also comprises a guide clamp 170 that is disposed
about the guide shaft 130. The guide clamp 170 has a guide clamp
base 156 positioned against the first inner lock surface 164. The
guide clamp 170 also has one or more guide clamp arms 184 that
contact the upper column jacket 102. A guide retainer 174 is
disposed on the guide shaft 130 and positioned against the first
outer lock surface 166.
[0029] The position lock mechanism 112 also comprises a cam clamp
176 that is disposed about the cam shaft 132. The cam clamp 176 has
a cam clamp base 186 positioned against an outer cam 182. The cam
clamp 176 also has one or more cam clamp arms 188 that extend
through the cam clamp passages 158 of the cam end 122 of the clamp
ring 134 and contact the upper column jacket 102. A cam retainer
178 and the outer cam 182 are disposed on the cam shaft 132 with
the cam retainer 178 being positioned against the outer cam 182.
The outer cam 182 and the cam clamp 176 are configured to cooperate
with one another such that as the outer earn 182 is rotated about
the lock axis 128, a combined length of the outer cam 182 and the
cam clamp 176 changes, thereby causing the cam clamp arms 188 to
either impose a locking force (balanced by tension in the cam shaft
132) upon the cam clamp 176 or to release the locking force from
the cam clamp 176.
[0030] Accordingly, actuation of the adjustment lever arm 116 so as
to cause the outer cam 182 to be rotated, has the effect of
increasing or decreasing tension in the cam shaft 132 by increasing
or decreasing combined length of the cam clamp 176 and the outer
cam 182, which are both disposed between the cam retainer 178 and
the upper column jacket 102. Put another way, the adjustment lever
arm 116 is configured to rotate the outer cam 182 as the lever arm
is manipulated, causing the outer cam 182 to draw the cam clamp 176
toward or away from the upper column jacket 102. Thus, the position
lock mechanism 112 is configured to facilitate selectively enabling
(i.e., in an adjustment mode) adjustments to the position of the
upper column jacket 102, and thus the operator end 108 of the
steering control shaft 104, within a range of adjustment provided
by a rake adjustment channel 172, which is defined in the position
lock bracket 114.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the lock axis 128 is disposed
perpendicular to the first lock wall 160 and the second lock wall
162 of the position lock bracket 114, and is positioned within
(i.e., as passing through) the rake adjustment channel 172, such
that, as a position of the upper column jacket 102 is adjusted, the
lock axis 128, which is coupled for movement with the upper column
jacket 102, traverses a range of motion within the rake adjustment
channel 172. As the adjustment lever arm 116 is rotated to the
locked position, the cam clamp 176 is pressed though the second
lock wall 162 and the collar assembly 118, along the lock axis 128
and against the upper column jacket 102, which is pressed against
the guide clamp 170, thereby compressing the position lock bracket
114 between the guide clamp 170 and the guide retainer 174, and
thereby fixing the side 120 to the position lock bracket 114 so as
to resist relative movement there between. At approximately the
same time, the first inner lock surface 164 pressed against the
124, forcing the 126 of the 134 to press against the 168 of the
162, thereby compressing the position lock bracket 114 between the
cam clamp 176 and the collar assembly 118, thereby fixing the side
122 to the position lock bracket 114 so as to resist relative
movement there between.
[0032] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description.
* * * * *